Tuesday, June 27, 2006

"On The Way to the Wedding" is out today, and Julia Quinn is here with a shocking, I tell you, shocking GuestBlog! Well, not shocking, but definitely an entertaining treat in that wry, inimitable Julia Quinn style. She'll answer your questions, and loves your comments.

Welcome, Julia!So I knew it was time for my new book to come out when my computer died. Because really, what self-respecting computer would choose to expire at a convenient time? (Note to self: determine convenient time for computer death. Any such time would imply excess time, during which I might catch up on all the tasks I have been putting off since 1998.)

It all started with a crackling sound in my left speaker. Like, the first time it booted up. But I was an idiot, and I thought it was the sound of my external hard drive, which I had recently purchased to back up the data on my previous computer, which hadn't quite died, but was clearly fighting one of those long, malingering illnesses (brought on, I'm sad to say, by three successive travel-related injuries, only one of which was my fault.)

Anyway, I didn't think anything of the crackling sound at the time. I was too busy basking in the glow of self-congratulation, because I had actually BACKED EVERYTHING UP. (Such sentiments deserve to be capitalized, I assure you.) But after a few months, it became apparent that the speaker was crackling at every start-up, so before I went off to a conference in San Diego, I dropped it off at the Apple store, deciding this was a good excuse to absolve myself of having to do any work on the airplane.

Computer returned. Crackle gone. For about two start-ups. Then it came back.But just as there is no convenient time for a computer to die, there is rarely a convenient time for one to be in the shop. So it took me two months before I managed to bring it back, this time while my husband and I went away for our tenth anniversary.

The timing was perfect. My laptop returned from the Apple repair center the day after I got back, and I popped into the Apple shop, pleased as punch, only to be greeted by an annoyed associate who said that they had done the same thing as the time before and it was still crackling. (She was not annoyed at me; she was annoyed at the repair center. I found this reassuring.)

She said to me that they would send the computer back in. The rule is that if they can't fix it after three times, I get a new computer. I was somewhat pleased by this; even though I bought my computer only six months ago, it is already obsolete (ain't that just the way of things?) and the new model is a decided step up.

The Apple associate said she was going to put a big old note on it saying, "It's not the speaker! Try the logic board!"

It was at this point that I did something very stupid. I asked her if I could use the computer for a half hour or so to forward some emails to myself. I had been accessing email on the web using my old computer (the one with the vaguely terminal disease, which I have to say is holding up quite well all things considered) but I didn't have access to my downloaded mail. And I needed to reply to a few of them.

So I took care of that. And then (here is the stupid part). I figured I might as well download the mail I had received while I was gone. I had read it, of course--my husband had brought his computer on our trip. I just figured it would be easier to deal with my webmail if there was less of it on the server.

It never occurred to me that this mail would not be in the backup I had made on my external hard drive. (Idiot! Idiot! Idiot!)

But it also never occurred to me that the next conversation I would have with the Apple Store would be something like this:

Apple Guy: Um, we got your computer back, and we weren't able to repair it, so we're going to replace it.

Me: Oh. (thinking: Yay! New computer for me!) What happened?

Apple Guy: Well, it won't boot up.

Me: (silence, then) I'm sorry, what did you say?

Apple Guy: It won't boot up. When you press the button, the fan comes on, but that's it.

Me: (in a very small voice) But it was working fine when I dropped it off. It was just a crackle in the speaker.

Apple Guy:

Oh wait. This was the part where he remained silent.

Me: Can I get my data off of it?

Apple Guy: (slowly, because he is certain he is speaking to an idiot.) It... won't... boot... up.

Me: So you're saying it won't boot up at all?

Apple Guy: Yes.

Me: But it was working fine when I dropped it off. What did they do it?

Apple Guy: I don't know. It just came back to us this way. And it's been in for repair three times, so I really don't think there is any point in trying anything else.

Me: But is there any way to get my data off?

Apple Guy: Didn't you back it up?

Me: (testily, because let's face it, no one likes to have their backup skills impugned) Yes, I backed it up, but it wasn't a perfect backup, and it would be much easier for me—

Apple Guy: Well, I could send it back to the repair shop, and then maybe they could do something with the logic board again, but if they could get it to boot up, then you'd probably be stuck with this one because it would be officially fixed.

Me: (because I felt the need to say it one more time) But it was working fine when I dropped it off...I'm not sure what the moral of this story is. It might be that there really should be eleven commandments. Thou Shalt Back Up Every Five Minutes, anyone?

Or maybe the moral is that when your computer is dead, dying, or missing, your cosmic pain is great enough that you must tell everyone your tale of woe. (And with the internet, "everyone" takes on a whole new meaning.)

But I promised Michelle something about the new book. This is where you guys come in. Ask me questions! I will answer them all--provided that my poor beleaguered travel-dented computer doesn't decide roll over and die for good.

Signing off...

Julie Q.

P.S. If you happened to send me an email June 15-19, please re-send. ;-0

85 comments:

Thanks for visiting, Julia! We've been looking forward to this for a very long time.

I know I feel your computer pain. I lost Inet connection for a week and am still catching up. And I had to buy a new computer a while back cause the fan on my old one kept fizzing, even after I sent it back twice. Lo/behold? A week ago, I found the company's been sued because they knew about this fan problem their computers had and didn't disclose it...

Anyway, you've been very brave to face your back-up woes, as well as those smary-pants tech kids at the computer store. We applaud you, we welcome you, and, most important, we're crazy about your books. Oh. We think you're a groovy person, too. :)

Having a fangrl moment: I am a huge fan. I have read all of your books and have enjoyed each and every one. Michelle laughs at me because I can remember all of the heroes and heroines in every book (frankly I think she is just jealous but we don't have to go there. *g*) but when they are so well written, as yours always are, it is very easy to remember them. My favorite is "Brighter Than The Sun." I just love Ellie and Charles. I especially love the way they meet. They are so great together.

Ok, I've got this round out of my system.

I can not wait to read Gregory's story. To say that I am going right out to buy it, isn't really true. I have to go to the dentist first (boo,hoo) but then I'm going to the first book store I find. :o)

Thank you for coming to blog with us today and I will try to keep my fangrl moment to a minimum. *g*

Do you know which epis are coming next? I can't wait to find out how Eloise and Phillip have been filling their days. *g* Was Phillip ever able to make his peas grow bigger?

Julia Quinn is here!!! How fun and exciting. Welcome! Michelle's blog is a great place to hang out, and to have one of my favorite authors here is an extra treat.

Okay, now that I got that out of my system, I would like to say that I love your books, and think the Bridgerton series is wonderful. I started out with book #2 "The Viscount Who Loved Me" and instantly fell in love with Anthony, and just adored Kate. They are such an amazing couple. I love the glimpses we see of them in later books.

And I can't not mention "When He Was Wicked". I love emotional stories and this one made me cry at how bittersweet and moving it was. Michael Stirling was such a complex, intriguing hero who tugs at your heartstrings. His love story with Francesca was beautiful. I loved the darker, earthier elements to the story. It's one I've re-read several times.

I'm sure you get asked this all the time, but do you have a favorite out of all of your books, one that is your book of the heart?

Thank you for visiting Michelle's blog - we are thrilled to have you here. And Michelle, thank you for posting this before I headed off to work. Have fun today, everyone!

Oh My God - too funny! Well not funny that you lost your computer but still a funny story in the end. I'm going to knock on wood that I have never had a computer problem. I think I'd die from withdrawals. I sure as hell might actually get out of the house more than I do now.

I don't have a question as of now! But I do love your Bridgerton stories and am really looking forward to finding Gregory's story sometime today. :)

OMG!!! JulieQ is here!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And, I'm not stuck at work with blogging blocked!!!!! I just *LOVE* ALL your books! You are most most favorite author ever!

Whew, fangirl moment over. Sorry! I first found you with SPLENDID and then got everything else I could get my hands on. I have especially enjoyed the Bridgertons. There is something wonderful about following a family for eight years. You get little glimpses of what their lives are like. That's what makes the 2nd Epilogues so great. I donwnloaded them as soon as I could and they are fantastic! =)

So, my question is the same as Julie's, who's stories are next in the Epilogues?

I've been a fan since way back in the nineties. Don't let this creep you out but I remember you from the old AOL Regency Romance chatroom, yes at the dawn of internet time, where you sometimes hung out right before Splendid was published. I was in college at the time and working on my own Regency trad so you were my hero. I got sidetracked from writing, but thank goodness you didn't. You get better with every book.

Am halfway through OTWTTW and it's good stuff! Gregory is just as lovely as I hoped he'd be.

Bummer about the computer. I am a notorious non-backer-upper. I feel your pain.

One thing that I always look forward to in your books is what you do before each chapter--whether it's Lady Whistledown's latest gossip page, or a letter, or an old fashioned authors intro. I love them, they add to the entire feel of the book.

Guess that's not a question. How the heck do you decide what you're going to do for the chapters? There, that's a question.

Welcome, JQ! No questions, but I had to say that I actually made a special trip to B&N (while under deadline!) yesterday, with both kids in tow, hoping they'd have OTWTTW out a day early--no such luck. Even my six year old was ready to go talk to the manager! I had to give her a full explanation of lay-down dates to placate her. Anyway, I'm *really* looking forward to reading it, and now I'm going to fully back up my work...

I have no idea which 2nd epilogue I'm going to do next. I'm pretty focused on the next couple of novels right now, so I haven't really been thinking about them. Oh, and for Julie, I hope they give you nitrous at the dentist. LOVE nitrous.

Stacy--

I don't really have a favorite book. Each one has pieces that I really like. That said, THE DUKE AND I will always be special to me because (aside from it being the first Bridgerton book) I feel like my writing really grew and changed with it.

Amy--

I LOVE Sex and the City. Saw the one where Carrie didn't back up. I felt sick. Physically sick.

And this is the last Bridgerton book for a while. I would never say never, as I do love the characters, but I need a break. So if there are more Bridgerton books, they're a few years off.

Mandacoll--

Sheesh, that was a while ago. I was on genie before that, too. Can you even imagine life before the internet now? And I am most definitely a plotter.

MaryKate--

I actually DIDN'T know from the start. But I figured it out right as I was finishing up THE DUKE AND I, so I went back through the book to make sure I hadn't done anything that would disqualify the candidate. *g*

Amy--

Coming up with fun chapter openers is actually pretty tough. Once I have the concept they're pretty easy to write, but coming up with the concept can take a while. If you like chapter openers, btw, you should read Eloisa James.

Wait a minute. Manda, you are halfway through the book already? Are you a mega fast reader on top of brilliant poet? Sorry, the green eyed monster is coming out. I won't be able to start on mine until I get home from work and then after the kids get to bed. I don't want any interruptions once I begin. *g*

I am going to meet Julia Quinn next week!!!

I have been singing this song on and off since Sunday, between bouts of complete nervousness and anxiety attacks. In case you were wondering, Julie, I am referring to the booksigning in Lansing Michigan. I am really really excited and horribly nervous at the same time.

Is there anything that fans have said to you that you would rather they NOT say?Any help would be greatly appreciated. That is, of course contingent on the fact that I can get my voice to work. :o)

Julie (OH), now I'm the jealous one!! You get to meet JQ! How awesome!

I just got back from the William and Mary B&N and they didn't have the book out yet!!! After lugging two kids out to get it there was no WAY I was leaving without it. I had them get it from the back for me! Can't wait to get started. Nap time begins in 40 minutes, Baby =) (I LOVE Summer Break!!!)

THE DUKE AND I is such a wonderful book. It was the first JQ book I read, and I read it right after we had moved from FL to MA. All my books were still in boxes; I didn't know where any bookstores were, nor how to get there even if someone told me where they were; and it was just me and two small children at home in a barely furnished house without electricity (long story). But the library was three blocks away, so I went over, pushing the stroller and pulling the toddler, got myself a card, and loaded up the diaper bag with romance novels. TDAI was the first one I read, and I think I read it twice. Simon...sigh. It was SO good, I actually braved Boston traffic to find a bookstore and get some more (there were no more Bridgerton books at the time). So, thanks, Julie!

My question is, are you sad to be done with the Bridgertons? You've been writing them for so long now, they must be like dear friends. (thank goodness for those epilogues, for those of us who will miss them) Or is it more exciting and refreshing to begin something completely new?

I'm a huge JQ fan! I love the Bridgertons. What a great idea to write the epilogues... who doesn't want to go back and catch up with old friends (ermmm... I mean characters, LOL! - maybe I need to get out more).

Sorry to hear about the computer antics. I work on a Mac, and they can be a little temperamental at times, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Amy, definitely read straight through and then go back and read to savor. And that, ladies, is the reason I always get two desserts. :o)

Rach, nap time is the best time of the day. Go outside, sit on the porch swing with a glass of ice tea and don't come up for air for about 2 hours. :o)

Caroline, what a wonderful story. I don't know about JQ but I am going to miss the Bridgertons. I will have to get another set of the series because I am going to re-read them often. Who am I kidding? I already do. :o)

Michelle, the contest button worked for me! :o)

Does anyone else love these sideways smiley faces as much as me? It took me a while to figure out what they were. Now I use them as often as I can. :o)

Oh for goodness sake, do NOT feel anxiety. I am the least scary person on the planet. I'll probably be so relieved that SOMEone is showing up that I won't let you leave.

And I haven't had too many scary fans at booksignings. The only one that comes to mind is the woman who bought a book for her friend and then wanted me to sign something like, "Hope this gives you many orgasms." (I declined.)

Michelle--

I'm working on a two book set, the first of which is called THE TWO DUKES OF WYNDHAM. The premise is based on a Dire Straits song, except I changed it a little: "Two men say they're the Duke of Wyndham. One of them must be wrong." Each book will be about one of the possible dukes.

Rachd--

good for you for making them go in back!

Manda--

I think publishers choose Tuesdays because it's supposed to get the books out in such a way to maximize the chances of hitting a bestseller list. I've never been able to figure out exactly why, though.

Caroline--

I'm a little sad, but mostly I'm looking forward to a new challenge. It's strange, though!

Eve--

I'm a diehard Mac person, too. I think I just got a lemon this time. But they --are-- replacing it for me, so I can't complain there. I'm getting one of those new MacBooks.

Well, that should make up for some of your pain, a nice new MacBook! Those look very cool.

My Macs have been fantastic- the only things that regularly crash for me are Microsoft programs (shocker), and the only hardward problem I've ever had has been a bad video cable on my laptop. Otherwise the same old machines are trucking alone...no reason to get a new one...sigh. No, that's good I suppose.

It will be strange not to expect a new Bridgerton book every summer, but the new books sound terrific!

Since everyone is saying when they discovered JuliaQ, I thought I might chime in. I have known JQ pretty much all my life. I first read her work attached to the refrigerator with alphabet magnets. It was captivating even then, though since I was two years older, my handwriting was far better (it still is, heh heh).

The first book by JQ I read starred a teen named Colby or Corby or Corey -- I don't remember and likely neither does JQ as that book, a YA written by a YA never saw the light of day. But it was good. After that I got to read romances as they were written, as in on the computer. JQ: "I finished chapter 7." Me: "Really?" And then I got to read it. That lasted for four books. Then she got uppity, ah-hem (just kidding. She actually moved and my insto-access was logistically put out of reach).

My favorite JQ book must be Marquis, simply because the true star is Malcolm the cat. He was a good kitty, and my dear dear boy for nearly fifteen years. JQ's husband called him a rug he was so furry.

I still get to read books early, but not in progress, which occasionally chaps, but it's ok. I am so incredibly proud of my little sister.

What a great story, Emily. If your Malcolm was anything like the one in HTMAM he was a keeper. (This being said from a dog person not a cat person.)

My sister used to practice her handwriting all the time...and everywhere. She wrote HER name on MY bedroom door when she was 5 years old. She then proceeded to blame it on me (like any good sister does). I was only 2 at the time. Needless to say, I was acquitted of this crime. :o)

It's my first time here at Romance By the Blog. I am visiting my sister, Rachd, and when we bought our copies of OTWTTW today (of course we both bought a copy because neither of us wanted to wait for the other to finish!) she mentioned this blog and that JQ would be guest-blogging today. So, here I am to send a friendly hello to JQ.

JQ, I found you in high school while browsing in the bookstore and *I* introduced my sister to your books, though I am sure she has a different story to tell (older sisters are like that!). Actually, last year when It's In His Kiss came out I was 9 months pregnant and it got me through my last few days before I went into labor! This year Rach and I could hardly wait for nap time so we could read.

FWIW, my favorite Bridgerton book is The Duke and I (ahhh, Simon). I am also very partial to Dancing at Midnight but I have reread almost every JQ book a few times whenever I am having a romance reading dry spell. So, my thanks to you for many happy hours spent reading your books.

*sings* Sisters, sisters, there were never more devoted sisters...How cool to have to sets of sisters on the blog today!

Rach, my sister's name is Jessica too! Welcome, Jess. Rach has told us *so* much about you;) Vive la naptime!

JulieO, I think the fact that you worry about coming off as a crazy fangirl means that you won't. If you were really a crazy fangirl you wouldn't know the difference. You'll be great. And now JulieQ knows to look out for you to be there.

Julie Q, can I say how creeped out I am by the fan who wanted you to sign something about orgasms? Eew! TMI!

Interesting about the Tuesday thing. There are so many wierd little details about the publishing world that we on the "outside" never really know about.

Oh and Two Dukes of Wyndham sounds like fun! I'm glad to hear you're not decamping to the contemporary side too. Not that I don't enjoy contemporaries from time to time, but you are so darn good at historicals...

It's funny, Manda, but I'm not concerned about coming across as a crazy fangrl at the booksigning because in social gatherings I turn inward. My fear there is that I will turn and runaway. (I'm only a slightly joking.)The crazy fangrl comes out over the net where I tend to say things that don't come out right. Or I just start babbling and I don't stop myself in time and say EVERYTHING that comes to mind. *shrug* It's a vicious cycle.

Amy, you are just so gracious. I want to be just like you when I grow up. :o)

Welcome, Jess. I hope your stay with us is pleasant and if you need anything just let us know.:o)

I don't know, Mary Kate, Colin has his issues, too. And think of poor Anthony knowing when he was going to die. That can't be very comforting. Oh,oh,oh and Gareth believing he was a bastard most of his life. Not to mention Simon.

You're right, Julie, they're all pretty tortured. However, although Colin has issues, I don't think they're quite as bad a Simon's (no kids because of not wanting to "pass on" his "affliction"), or Anthony knowing he was going to die. I'd say Michael, Simon and Anthony were definitely the ones most wrung out.

Oh, on that front, maybe guest author-bloggers should be the day *after* their novel is released so we don't have to be schizophrenic going between our desire to read what that have to say, and read what they have written. Just a thought...

Ella will be one July 5, and Lily was born Dec. 19. So, really only about five months difference. As they age, that small a gap will become meaningless. (Well, until Ella turns 16 first, and then 21 first. Oh, and then when Ella turns 30 or 40 first ;-) ).

My sis and I have daughters 5 months apart. I know she was just jealous of me. My daughter was born in June and her daughter at the end of October. I hope your girls get along better than ours do. They squabble more like sisters than cousins. :o)

Julie in OH, do you mean the pictures beside our names in the comments? Just go to your blogger profile and upload a pic off your computer. There is a little link where you set up your profile that says something like, "upload profile picture".

Trust me, if I could figure it out anyone can because I have shockingly poor computer skills!

Julie, I had to post a pic on my blog and copy the url into the "upload profile picture" box. Easy breezy. Well, except the fact the images were too large at first and had to be resized, but otherwise...

Oh, and I have a feeling the girls will be fighting like cats and dogs, just like Jessie and I did =).

Hooo Doggie! Youz girls were goin while I was gone with my kids pretending to be a good mommy.

Aren't we lucky to have Julia with us today? And how gracious is she to check in with us?

Glad you stopped by, Emily! I am a kitty person, and am happy your own was a delight and had you to care for him, furry rug that he was. You are quite a good friend to Julia, as well as websister. Were I you, I'd be bitter to have been cut off of the pre-reads. What are our friends and family for if not our exclusive entertainment?

Welcome, Jess! Come back lots of times. We just love your sister; any sister of hers is a sister of ours...as it were.

I, too, say huzzah for Julia Q sticking with the historicals! I'm sure she would do beautifully in whatever sub-genre she chose blahblahblah. But really. I want good historicals and I want her to keep writing them. There. I said it. And you may quote me.

Now, we really need to talk about the "when is the best time for the GuestBlog" question. Is it the day it's out to drive readers to the stores? Or is it after readers have had a chance to take a look-see? 'tis a quandry to be sure. What say you, Bellas?

Michelle, I completely understand the driving up the sales thing, but I gotta say I think it would be better all around if guest bloggers came a day or two after the book release so we have had an opportunity to read the book and have a discussion about it. We can also ask the author any questions we may have, etc.

Well, speaking as the guest blogger, I'll chime in and say that it's pretty fun to be here on release day. But I agree that it's nice to be able to talk about the new book, so maybe the key is to ask the bloggers to stick around a few days.

Hmmm. I never want to take advantage of a GuestBlogger's good nature by asking too much of her. But the "funnest" part of what I do is hooking up readers with authors and their books, so it'd be cool to direct readers to the shelves, then let them discuss the novel with the author, too.

Is that the way you like to do it, Julia? I know you've done dual dates with the chicks at Squawk Radio and "Dishin with the Divas" (our girl, Julie Anne Long, and Fog City Divas, Bellas).

OK, JulieO and Stace. Got your votes, although it's a little hard to imagine JulieO with nothing to say, isn't it? :) It'd be like Vivi Anna without something to say about hot sex.

And by the way, Bellas, don't we need to inform Julie Q about our coining an entirely new acronym in reference to "When He Was Wicked?" (The first JQ I ever read, btw).

You see, Julia, we at RBtheBlog have a favorite style in which we like to see our h/hn consumate a relationship after a long and drawn out emotionally- and sensually-tense courtship. We tenderly refer to the act as UATW. Because it involves a wall. And the hero and heroine's being up against it, as it were.

Of course, only Julia Quinn's "WHWW" has the honor of it's very on RBtheBlog acronym, describing a scene in which the h/hn express their fondness UATE. As in escritoire.

Now, I'm not positive it was an escritiore, but we are positive it was a smashing scene which deserves a way to separate it from any other love scene that will be discussed here at RBtheBlog.

I'm afraid that a complete computer death will occur here any time. It's getting so miserable though, oddly enough, some things are working better now than they even worked for my brother before he gave it to me 3 years ago. One thing is definite though, as a Pentium II, it's way too slow for most things.

I can still remember what made me interested in reading your books. When the first one came out, RT had an article about how you had decided to try writing a historical novel before you took up medical studies. I found that article so interesting and also the note they must have had about your book, that I've bought all your books since. However, I must confess that due to the vicissitudes of life (illnesses, moving)and fortune (cash), I've not even started reading the Bridgertons yet. But I enjoyed the first 3 books tremendously. Right now, since I had to move in Nov. I know only where Colin's book is.

I guess my favorite of your books is the first, "Splendid". Those always seem to stick in my mind the most. If that book is really enjoyable, then I know the rest are likely to be so as well. Now that the whole Brigerton series is finished, I'll have to get down to reading it.

I guess a question I have is whether you've ever thought back to the days when you wanted to be a doctor and what your thoughts on that are now.

BTW, I'm also glad that Julia is sticking to historicals. Those have been my favorites for nearly 50 years. At first it was historical novels before they became historical romances. I loved learning history through the "novels" and they always had some element of romance as well. Got that tick from the books my father bought and read. We both also enjoyed straight history.

Ruby55- I LOVED "Splendid". My fav part was when Emma went to rescue Belle. I also appreciated the fact that Alex and Emma had "real" issues. No big misunderstandings or the like. Not that there is anything wrong with them. I have enjoyed my fair share but sometimes it's nice to see how the other half live. :o)

Michelle, you are right. I can babble with the best of them, but often when I get going, I look back and find I have said nothing. Go figure. :o)

Michelle, I'm not sure where I stand on the pre v. post release issue. I can agree with both sides. But you know me. I can come up with something to say whether I've read the book or not;)I do like it when the show up for a few days after. It feels like they liked us. They really liked us.

Yup. You're right, Stacy. What is it with me and that? You are so clearly two different people. I am, as usual, clueless. Please say it's one of the things that endears me to you?

Hi, Ruby55! Welcome, not only because you're a JQ reader, but because you love historicals of all kinds. I adore historicals, and the lot of us pretty much dig on em. Of course , we like most all romance we can get our hands on, but we really seem drawn to well-crafted ones like JQ's, Eloisa James', Loretta Chase, Lisa Kleypas, etc. I have always been a history nut, and I think lots of the rest here, the same.

You are so welcome here any time, and we hope you'll join us lots to give us your two cents, and let us know what you love.

Well, Manda, we all like to feel the love, don't we?

Here in MN it's 8:30 pm and the sun is a bright red ball. Pretty, but not conducive to putting kids to bed. I guess I could open a Bridgerton for a little re-read, rather than writing my column...

Wow, I turn away for few hours to do some work and put my daughter to bed and there is something like 50 new posts!

rachd:actually, once in a while I *do* get to read a work in progress. But not often. And it's usually only a few pages... maybe a chapter. That's ok. I get a lot of other perks.

michelle:Yes, I *was* kind of bitter about having the pre-reads cut off, but as I said, I do get to read things early. And every once in a while she asks my opinion about a character or scene and that is a thrill, whether she uses it or not.

And of course there is the great fun of doing the website and I am in charge of the family tree.

Ruby, you read that piece in RT? I think it was called "Rakes, Rogues, and Stethoscopes." I bet I can find it somewhere in my comptuer. Or actually, I think it can still be accessed on the RT website.

To answer your question, I don't think much about being a doctor anymore. I enjoy my current profession too much for "what ifs," and as I'm married to a doctor, I feel I have a pretty good insight into life of a medical professional. I definitely made the right choice!

Thanks so much for visiting with us today, Julia! As long as you can bear our fawning and reminding you of the details we love about your novels, you're welcome any time. You've been very gracious in answering our questions, and we wish you all the best with "On the Way to the Wedding."

Ugh, how frustrating!!! I have to say I just had the same pain. Water spilled on my laptop. Fried it. Won't turn on, can't get the data off. Recent work is G-O-N-E. Although I have to say that this was MY fault...I'd be really annoyed if the store repair did it! Eeeeeek! Sorry I missed the chat with Julia!